Bancroft was overtaken in the pecking order, lost confidence, started to overthink the game and couldn't get a look in - barring a one-off Twenty20 for Australia.

Former chairman of selectors Rod Marsh forecast Bancroft becoming "a very good player for us over a long period of time", while the current panel is also aware of his talent.

Bancroft was set to play for Australia A earlier this year. 'Mother Cricket' - as Bancroft's idol-turned-mentor Justin Langer likes to call the sport's seemingly mystical forces - intervened again.

The West Australian was collateral damage in the ugly pay dispute. He stayed in England and experienced the angst in relative isolation compared to other members of the squad, who assembled in Brisbane for a week of training before the pin was pulled.

Some members of the squad were in tears about the cancelled trip to South Africa. Bancroft went back to work with Gloucestershire.

The no-nonsense operator gave selectors a timely reminder of his talent with an unbeaten 76 against the Test attack last week - the first time a keeper has carried his bat through an entire Sheffield Shield innings.

The runs have continued to flow but it would be foolish to think Bancroft is purely in the mix because of the past fortnight.

Since opening the batting for Australia at the under-19 World Cup in 2012, Bancroft has put a high price on his wicket. It doesn't matter if he is yet to score or has just reached three figures.

It is a trait Langer was renowned for and something Steve Smith is desperate to see more of.